U.S. patent application number 14/153715 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for generating alternative gaming device outputs.
The applicant listed for this patent is Douglas M. Okuniewicz. Invention is credited to Douglas M. Okuniewicz.
Application Number | 20140128142 14/153715 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50622835 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140128142 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okuniewicz; Douglas M. |
May 8, 2014 |
Generating Alternative Gaming Device Outputs
Abstract
A method for outputting an alternative output through an
electronic gaming device output device has been developed. The
invention includes an electronic gaming device with game logic
circuitry that commands a gaming device output device to generate
an output. The electronic gaming device output is interrupted
before it is output and the output device generates an alternative
output.
Inventors: |
Okuniewicz; Douglas M.;
(Post Falls, ID) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Okuniewicz; Douglas M. |
Post Falls |
ID |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50622835 |
Appl. No.: |
14/153715 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13007916 |
Jan 17, 2011 |
8628411 |
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14153715 |
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11033595 |
Jan 11, 2005 |
7871325 |
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13007916 |
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09639441 |
Aug 15, 2000 |
6840860 |
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11033595 |
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08994075 |
Dec 19, 1997 |
6146276 |
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09639441 |
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08795152 |
Feb 7, 1997 |
5908354 |
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08994075 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ; 463/17;
463/42; 463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/34 20130101;
G07F 17/3202 20130101; G07F 17/3223 20130101; A63F 2001/008
20130101; A63F 3/081 20130101; G07F 17/3225 20130101; G07F 17/3248
20130101; G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ; 463/43;
463/42; 463/17 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32; G07F 17/34 20060101 G07F017/34 |
Claims
1. An electronic gaming device, comprising: a first electronic
circuit board operative to employ gaming logic that generates an
electronic gaming device outcome dictated by outcome probabilities;
where the first electronic circuit board is further operative to
command an electronic gaming device output device to generate a
first electronic circuit board output in response to an electronic
gaming device event; where the event includes at least one of an
electronic gaming device input and the electronic gaming device
outcome; and a second electronic circuit board that interrupts the
first electronic circuit board output prior to being output by the
electronic gaming device output device and commands the electronic
gaming device output device to output an alternative output.
2. The electronic gaming device of claim 1, where the alternative
output comprises the first electronic circuit board output
supplemented with a second electronic circuit board output.
3. The electronic gaming device of claim 1, where the alternative
output comprises replacing the first electronic circuit board
output with a second electronic circuit board output.
4. The slot machine of claim 9, where the alternative output
comprises reordering the first electronic circuit board output with
a second circuit board output.
5. The electronic gaming device of claim 1, where at least a
portion of the alternative output is provided by at least two of
the first electronic circuit board, the second electronic circuit
board and a system connected through a network interface to the
second electronic circuit board.
6. The electronic gaming device of claim 1, where the second
electronic circuit board alternative output command is responsive
to the electronic gaming device event.
7. The electronic gaming device of claim 1, where the second
electronic circuit board samples the electronic gaming device event
through a secure interface that is further operative to isolate
external equipment and program communications from the internal
components, software and data of the electronic gaming device.
8. The electronic gaming device of claim 1, where the electronic
gaming device is at least one of a casino gaming device and a video
lottery terminal.
9. The electronic gaming device of claim 1, where the gaming logic
has been tested and approved for use by a gaming regulatory
authority.
10. The electronic gaming device of claim 1, where the alternative
output has not been tested by the regulatory authority.
11. A slot machine, comprising: first processor operative to employ
game outcome programming to determine a slot machine payout; where
the game outcome programming has been tested and approved for use
by a gaming regulatory authority; where the first processor is
further operative to trigger a slot machine output device to
generate an output in response to a slot machine event; where the
slot machine event includes at least one of a slot machine input
and the slot machine payout; and second processor operative to
command the slot machine output device to output an alternative
output in place of the output triggered by the first processor
prior to the first processor output being output by the slot
machine output device.
12. The slot machine of claim 11, where the alternative output
comprises the first processor output supplemented with a second
processor output.
13. The slot machine of claim 11, where the alternative output
comprises replacing the first processor output with a second
processor output.
14. The slot machine of claim 11, where the alternative output
comprises reordering the first processor output with a second
processor output.
15. The slot machine of claim 11, where at least a portion of the
alternative output is provided by at least two of the first
processor, the second processor and a system connected through a
network interface to the second processor.
16. The slot machine of claim 11, where the second processor
alternative output command is responsive to the slot machine
event.
17. The slot machine of claim 11, where the second processor
samples the slot machine event through a secure interface that is
further operative to isolate second processor communications from
the internal components, software and data of the slot machine.
18. The slot machine of claim 11, where the slot machine is at
least one of a casino gaming device and a video lottery
terminal.
19. The slot machine of claim 11, where the first processor has
been tested and approved for use by the gaming regulatory
authority.
20. The slot machine of claim 11, where the first processor output
has been tested and approved for use by the gaming regulatory
authority.
21. The slot machine of claim 11, where the alternative output has
not been tested by the regulatory authority.
22. A method for outputting an alternative output through a
gambling device output device, comprising: generating a gaming
device outcome responsive to gaming logic that has been tested and
approved for use by a gambling regulatory authority; commanding an
electronic gaming device output device to generate a first output
in response to at least one of an electronic gaming device input
and the electronic gaming device outcome; and generating an
alternative output through the output device that has not been
tested by the gambling regulatory authority before the first output
is generated by the output device where the alternative output
comprises at least one of (a) replacing the first output with a
second output generated by at least one of a second device and a
third device and (b) supplementing the first output with a second
output generated by at least one of the second device and the third
device.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising; generating the
alternative output in response to sampling the gaming device events
through a secure interface that is further operative to isolate
external equipment and program communications from the internal
components, software and data of the electronic gaming device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/007,916 which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/033,595, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,325,
entitled "Means for Generating a Supplemental Bonus for an
Electronic Gaming Device" filed on Jan. 11, 2005, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/639,441, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,860 entitled "Printing and Dispensing Bonusing
System for Gaming Devices" filed on Aug. 15, 2000, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/944,075 filed
on Dec. 19, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,276, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/795,152 now
U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,354, filed Feb. 7, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to electronic gaming
devices. More specifically, the invention relates to an interface
for electronic gaming devices.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Slot machines and video poker machines continue to be the
most widely used types of gaming devices found in the gaming
industry. The oldest slot machines and video poker machines were
relatively simple devices which included little in the way of sound
generating devices, commonly including only a bell or buzzer to
signify a winning combination on the reels. With the advent of new
technology in the gaming industry, the slot machines and video
poker machines were now able to produce a variety of pre-programmed
sounds and video through the use of computer chip technology. These
pre-programmed sounds and video are of significant importance to
maintaining player interest in a particular gaming machine.
Consequently, changes or updates to any of the game features
including video, audio, bonusing systems or of the game itself are
important. As a result, the ability to change electronic games as
quickly and as easily as possible to meet evolving player tastes is
necessary.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] In some aspects, the invention relates to an electronic
gaming device with a first electronic circuit board operative to
employ gaming logic that dictates outcome probabilities to generate
an outcome where the first electronic circuit board is further
operative to command an electronic gaming device output device to
generate a first electronic circuit board output in response to an
electronic gaming device event where the event includes at least
one of an electronic gaming device input and an electronic gaming
device outcome and a second electronic circuit board that is
operative to interrupt the first electronic circuit board output
prior to its being output by the electronic gaming device output
device and command the electronic gaming device output device to
output an alternative output.
[0007] In other aspects, the invention relates to a slot machine
with a first processor that is operative to employ game payout
programming to determine a slot machine payout where the game
payout programming has been tested and approved for use by a gaming
regulatory authority and where the first processor is further
operative to command a slot machine output device to generate an
output in response to a slot machine event and where the event
includes at least one of a slot machine input and the slot machine
payout and a second processor that is operative to interrupt the
first processor output prior to its being output by the slot
machine output device and command the slot machine output device to
output an alternative output.
[0008] In other aspects, the invention relates to a gaming method
for generating a gaming device outcome responsive to gaming logic
and commanding an electronic gaming device output device to
generate a first output in response to at least one of an
electronic gaming device input and the electronic gaming device
outcome and generating an alternative output before the first
output is generated by the electronic gaming device output device
where the alternative output is generated by a second device and/or
third device where the second output replaces or supplements the
first output.
[0009] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] It should be noted that identical features in different
drawings are shown with the same reference numeral.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of the present
invention showing the elements thereof.
[0012] FIGS. 2A-2E are detailed circuit diagrams of the input
section of the electronic activity detector and command
generator.
[0013] FIGS. 3A-3E are detailed circuit diagrams of the event
occurrence information signal computing device or main computing
unit showing the inputs and outputs thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] It has been found that there is substantial player interest
in the development of a bonusing system for electronic gaming
devices which outputs bonus items, the items either having
intrinsic value or being representative of the bonus received arid
which are redeemable for the indicated bonus. Any such add-on
electronic activity detector would have to be incapable of
influencing the outcome probabilities as dictated by the gaming
logic of the gaming device, and thus a uni-directional detection
device for detecting specific event occurrences on the electronic
circuit board would be preferred.
[0015] In a typical slot machine, there are numerous machine event
occurrences which would need to be sampled in order to determine
whether the particular event has occurred. These include such
occurrences as a bill accepted into the machine, a jackpot being
hit, coin in, coin out and other display data. Each of these
machine inputs and outputs would need to be monitored to determine
event occurrences, but must be monitored in such a way that the
event occurrence cannot be tampered with in order to conform to
applicable gaming regulations. Therefore, there is a need for an
electronic activity detector and command generator which is capable
of detecting event occurrences on the circuit board of a gaming
device and then issue appropriate demands in response to those
event occurrences which will cause connected output devices to
perform designated tasks.
[0016] The electronic activity detecting portion of the card is
that portion of the card that will identify that an event is taking
place within the machine (i.e., coin in, jackpot, etc . . . ), and
the command portion of the card is that portion which recognizes
the event and dictates the proper response. Although it is expected
that one of the major output functions of any card performing these
functions would be that of sound reproduction, there is also a need
for other types of outputs, including printer functions, lights and
gaming information. This device reads and reacts to gaming machine
outputs, and, depending on the programming of the device, outputs
the appropriate command signals to output devices to drive the
output devices to perform their respective functions without
affecting the regulated components of the gaming device.
[0017] Outcome probabilities for gaming devices are typically
dictated by gaming logic/game programming that includes payout
information for game outcome(s) associated with a gambling game.
Game programming/software typically resides on at least one of a
computer chip, a processor and a circuit board, for example, which
can be located either internally or externally to a gaming device.
Gaming device outcome software and some or all gaming device output
content are generated by gambling game circuitry such as a computer
chip, processor and/or circuit board, for example, which operates
the outcome software which is typically required to be tested and
approved by a gambling regulatory authority in a given jurisdiction
prior to offering the gambling game for public consumption and is
typically not allowed to be modified without testing and approving
the modified software and/or output content by the regulatory
authority. Typically the at least one of a chip, processor and
circuit board are also tested and approved by the gambling
regulatory authority in a given jurisdiction prior to offering the
game for public consumption. One embodiment of the present
invention monitors the gaming device through a secure interface
that doesn't allow external equipment and communications to change
the components, software and content of the gaming device. The
present invention interrupts an output comprising content that has
been tested and approved by a regulatory authority before it is
output by an output device and replaces, supplements, re-orders,
etc. the tested and approved output with an alternative output that
does not require testing and approval by the regulatory authority
each time it is modified.
[0018] It has also been found that increased game play can result
from the dispensing or paying of bonuses in connection with
particular reel or display combinations on the electronic gaining
device being hit. Such bonusing items could include plush toys,
vouchers for meals, cash, lottery tickets, coupons, promotional
materials, other prizes or almost any other type of prize
award.
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention include the dispensing
or printing of a bonus item from a secondary output device not
directly associated with the standard payment device on the gaming
device which is most commonly a coin or scrip dispenser. The bonus
may be dispensed in connection with a predetermined event or series
of events occurring on the gaming device, such as coin in or a
particular combination being "hit" on the electronic gaming device.
Such a bonusing system which would both increase game play and
decrease the dissatisfaction of the consumer, as a reel combination
that is not ordinarily a payout combination may result in the
obtaining of bonus prizes.
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention provides a printing and
dispensing bonusing system for electronic gaming devices,
particularly a casino gaming device, which includes at least one
detection device which is adapted for connection to an electronic
apparatus, the detection device operative to detect selected event
occurrences on an electronic apparatus and output event occurrence
notification signals upon detection of an event. An event detection
sampling device is connected in information transmission connection
with the detection means, the event detection sampling device
operative to detect and receive event occurrence notification
signals from the detection devices, analyze the received event
occurrence notification signals and output event occurrence
information signals including information specifying event
occurrences. Connected in information transmission connection with
the event detection sampling device is an event occurrence
information signal computing device which is operative to receive
and analyze the event occurrence information signals output by the
event detection sampling device and upon detection of selected
event occurrence information signals, output command signals for
initiating at least one connected output device to perform a
selected operation corresponding to the outputted command signal.
The output device is operative to accept command signals from the
programmable event occurrence information signal computing device
and output the appropriate response corresponding to the command
signal.
[0021] The present invention also provides a printing and
dispensing bonusing system for electronic gaming devices,
particularly a casino gaming device, which includes at least one
detection device which is adapted for connection to an electronic
apparatus or which is integral with the device, the detection
device operative to detect selected event occurrences on an
electronic apparatus and output event occurrence notification
signals upon detection of an event. An event detection sampling
device is connected in information transmission connection with the
detection device, the event detection sampling device operative to
detect and receive event occurrence notification signals from the
detection devices, analyze the received event occurrence
notification signals and output event occurrence information
signals including information specifying preselected event
occurrences. Connected in information transmission connection with
the event detection sampling device is an event occurrence
information signal computing device which is operative to receive
and analyze the event occurrence information signals output by the
event detection sampling device and upon detection of those event
occurrence information signals, output command signals for
initiating operation of a bonus printing and dispensing device
connected to the programmable event occurrence information signal
computing device operative to dispense or print a bonus item or
bonus information from a secondary output device not associated
with the standard coin or scrip dispenser, the bonus being
dispensed in connection with at least one predetermined combination
being "hit" on the electronic gaming device.
[0022] The advantages of the present invention include the fact
that the present invention may be added to any existing gaming
device to produce alternative command outputs in response to event
occurrences in the electronic apparatus, thereby engaging various
output devices. Furthermore, because the present invention is
reprogrammable in a quick and easy manner, a variety of response
schemes may be instituted over the life span of a gaming device,
thus insuring that consumer interest in the game remains relatively
high. Also, because the present invention is designed to sample
events off of the electronic apparatus and cannot be used to modify
the probabilities of gaming occurrences, it is believed that the
present invention will be acceptable for use with slot machines and
the like without requiring any more than minimal additional
inspection and certification by the gaming commissions of the
various jurisdictions or their agents. Because the computing device
on the programmable electronic activity detector and command
generator may be programmed to interrupt the normal sound and
display output of the gaming device arid substitute an alternative
sound or display, exciting new varieties of games may be introduced
even though the new game is being played on the old piece of gaming
machinery. Also, one of the most exciting features of the present
invention is that unique messages such as advertisements for casino
activities and the like or interactive gaming experiences can be
included in the programmable electronic activity detector and
command generator, and the variety of messages is almost
unlimited.
[0023] The present invention also combines the excitement of the
traditional slot machine with an entirely new element of gaming,
the printing or dispensing of bonus information or items through a
secondary output device which is unrelated to the standard payment
device. With the present invention, not only are winning reel
combinations paid, but the player also will have the opportunity to
win bonus prizes based on the occurrence of preselected events or a
series of events, such as reel combinations.
[0024] The following description discloses two embodiments of the
present invention. The first embodiment is a programmable
electronic activity detector and command generator illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3E.
[0025] FIGS. 2A-2E and 3A-3E illustrate the programmable electronic
activity detector and command generator 200 of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the embodiment includes a machine
interface 202 which consists of the connection of the programmable
electronic activity detector and command generator 200 to the
circuit board 300 of an electronic device. In this instance, as
shown in FIGS. 2A-3E, the electronic device would be a typical slot
machine having display data output, machine input information and
machine output information which may be either sampled on the
circuit board itself as will be necessary with many retrofit
situations, or the slot machine may include a wiring harness which
allows for simple connection to each of the data output locations
from the circuit board. In either event, the machine interface 202
will access the information sites on the circuit board and allow
for the event occurrence data to be transferred to the programmable
electronic activity detector and command generator 200.
[0026] The machine interface 200 is connected, in the preferred
embodiment, through a series of diodes and dip switches to the
event detector devices 204a-o which operate to read the machine
outputs. The event detector devices may be of various types of
detectors, including optical isolators or the like, so long as the
primary function of unobtrusively determining event occurrences is
fulfilled. Each of the event detector devices 204a-o are connected
to one of the machine output lines 201a-o and therefore when an
event occurs on any of the machine output lines 201a-o, the event
detector device 204a-o associated with that event will signify the
occurrence of that event yet prevent any potential modification of
the event status due to the one-way nature of the event detector
devices. After the event detector device 204a-o activates in
response to event occurrence on the machine board, the event
occurrence notification signal corresponding to that event
occurrence is transmitted to the data capture segment 206 of the
embodiment 200. The data capture segment 206 consists of a
plurality of input registers which receive the incoming event
occurrence notification signal from the event detector devices
204a-o and interfaces the signal from the machine interface 202 to
the event occurrence information signal computing device or main
computing unit 240. The input registers 208b and 208c are each
preferably connected to the machine inputs and machine outputs on
the machine output line 201d-o whereas input register 208a is
preferably connected to the display data coming from machine output
lines 201a, 201b and 201c. The display data is in serial format
coming from the circuit board 300 of the slot machine and thus must
be changed over to parallel to permit the main computing unit 240
to access the incoming display data. For this reason, each of the
incoming display unit lines is converted from serial to parallel
format by an appropriate converter, shown as converter units 210a,
210b and 201c. The display data is then fed into input register
208a before being forwarded onto the main computing unit 240.
Finally, input register 208d is designed for use with eight-bit
addressing systems for future possible uses.
[0027] It should be clear that an additional operational feature of
the data capture portion 206 of the embodiment 200 of FIGS. 1-3E is
that the data capture portion 206 must be organized to permit the
main computing unit 240 to sample the incoming data to determine
event occurrences on the circuit board 300 of the slot machine.
This would commonly be done by clock pulse synchronization or
multiplexing in which the main computing unit 240 is programmed to
periodically "poll" each of the input registers 208a-d to determine
if an event has occurred. Each of the input registers 208a-d may be
polled in turn to determine an event occurrence detected by the
input registers 208a-d thus permitting the connection of all of the
input register outputs to be placed on a signal bus line 212
leading to the main computing unit 240. The polling operation will
be made more clear in the discussion regarding the main computing
unit 240, but it should be generally understood that the input
registers 208a-d operate in a manner generally understood by those
skilled in the art.
[0028] The input registers 208a-d of the data capture portion 206
are connected in information transmission connection by bus 212 to
the programmable event occurrence information signal computing
device 240 which will, be referred to herein as the MCU (main
computing unit). The MCU 240 is programmed to scan the input
registers within the data capture portion 206 of the alternative
embodiment and remove, identify and compare the event occurrence
notification signals found within those registers to a decision
table preloaded into the registers of the MCU 240 itself. This
decision table may take any accepted form so long as the MCU 240 is
able to access the data, identify particular event occurrence
information signals and output command signals to connected output
devices which command those output devices to perform certain
functions based on particular machine events. For example, common
machine events may include coin in, handle pull, jackpot, any other
payoff combination or non-winning combination or the like.
[0029] The MCU 240 will preferably be an eight-bit CMOS
microcontroller manufactured by Microchip Technology, Inc., part
No. PIC16C6X. Of course, it is to be understood that numerous other
types of microcontrollers may be used with the present invention
provided those microcontrollers are programmable to perform the
same or similar operations. Although the MCU 240 is shown as being
wired into the system in one particular design in FIGS. 3A-3E, it
should be further understood that the exact layout and connection
of the hardware elements described herein is not overly critical to
the present invention so long as the embodiment 200 is able to
function as intended. Furthermore, although the MCU 240 of the
present invention is programmed using RISC code, it is to be
understood that the exact object code to be used in the MCU 240 is
not critical to the invention so long as the MCU 240 operates to
perform all of its intended functions.
[0030] When the MCU 240 identifies that an event occurrence
information signal received from one of the input registers 208a-d
corresponds to a table event within the register of the MCU 240,
the MCU 240, due to its programming, determines that a command
signal should be sent to a connected output device. As best seen in
FIG. 6, the MCU 240 is programmed and hardwired to output command
signals in two basic formats, one being a simple command pulse or
device trigger for the triggering of an output device such as a
bell, whistle, or light, and the second being a serial interface
for connection to more sophisticated output devices such as a sound
card or a printer. The programmable electronic activity detector
and command generator 200 of the present invention is designed to
substitute alternative output device responses for particular event
occurrences in the slot machine. Obviously, modification and/or
replacement of all of the event occurrences produced by the machine
is not necessary nor even advisable in many instances and therefore
the MCU 240 is operative to replace or supplement only those events
designated for replacement by the event table in the MCU and allow
the remaining machine outputs to be produced normally by the slot
machine.
[0031] When the MCU 240 detects that a designated event has
occurred in the slot machine by a match of a selected event
occurrence information signal and an event held within the table,
the MCU 240 generates a command signal which is sent to connected
output devices. Depending on the event occurrence in the slot
machine, the command signal which is output by the MCU 240 will be
a command pulse, which will be sent via the auxiliary triggers 242a
and 242b which send a simple trigger pulse to connected output
devices designed for activation by such command pulses, or will be
a serial format command signal for commanding serial output devices
such as an audio card, a printer or other such serial output
device. The information transmission connection of the MCU 240 to
the serial output devices would preferably consist of a serial
peripheral interface 244 of an industry standard format. Finally,
the serial command signals output by the MCU 240 would preferably
be in standard serial format to permit the use of many different
types of output devices with the programmable electronic activity
detector and command generator 200, connection to which would be by
a standard serial cable. Of course, as a virtually limitless number
of types of output devices may be used with the presently described
device, the command signals output by the MCU 240 may be modified
to conform to the particular connected output device, as would be
understood by one skilled in the art.
[0032] The command signals sent by the MCU 240 would preferably be
in the format commonly used for command of printers, sound cards
and the like to facilitate the use of the present invention with
already existing hardware, and the programming and operation of
such devices is well-known in the prior art. One important aspect
of the present invention is that allowance has been made for the
MCU 240 to include a network interface 260 which can be used to
connect the programmable electronic activity detector and command
generator 200 to a central control system (not shown). Through the
network interface 260, the central control system will be able to
collect event information from the slot machine and also will be
able to download command information to the programmable electronic
activity detector and command generator 200 to activate connected
output devices. A prime example of the use of this connection would
be to immediately reward a game player upon hitting a certain
combination on the reels, which was being monitored over the
central control system. It is expected that the network system
would be implemented as was previously discussed, although any
appropriate network system could be used for the present
invention.
[0033] One other possible use of the present invention is as a
tie-in with state-run lotteries in which the network capabilities
of the present invention would be used to provide a wide-area
"Powerball" type jackpot payoff on one particular combination being
achieved. The specific nature of this implementation will be made
apparent in future documentation, but this and other such examples
serve to illustrate the virtually limitless possibilities for use
of the present invention.
[0034] The second embodiment of the present invention is similar in
function to the first embodiment, but incorporates additional
features which further emphasize the unique aspects of the present
invention. The bonus printing and dispensing method of the present
invention includes the features of the previous embodiment but
provides a bonus printing and dispensing device operatively
connected to the MCU 240 and the command signals sent by the MCU
240 correspond to the occurrence of preselected event or series of
events occurring on the electronic gaming device. The detection of
a preselected event or series of events is performed by the event
detector devices 204a-o which signal the occurrence of the event by
the transmission of an event occurrence notification signal
corresponding to that event occurrence to the data capture segment
206 of the embodiment 200. The event detector devices 204a-o may be
of various types as described previously, and may even be
constructed as integral elements of the gaming device, so long as
they function to detect event occurrences in the gaming device. The
MCU 240 is programmed to recognize those preselected event
occurrences, the programming being done by standard programming
methods understood to those skilled in the art, and issue command
signals to the connected bemusing system of the present invention,
which, in the preferred embodiment, may include a bonus information
printing device, bonus item dispensing device and/or a connected
electronic gaming device to output a bonus item or bonus
information. It is important to note that the bonus printing or
dispensing device is separate from the standard payout device of
the electronic gaming device and is controlled separately by the
MCU 240. This means that the bonus payout is independent of the
regular payout and can be modified without affecting the payout of
the gaming device. This allows the casino or operator to modify the
bonus payouts according to its wishes, without requiring additional
inspection by a gaming commission or its agent.
[0035] A preferred embodiment of the bonusing system of the present
invention would include a printing device operative to print bonus
prize information which would be redeemable for a selected bonus
prize. When a preselected event or series of events occurs on the
gaming device, the printing device is commanded by the MCU 240 to
dispense a printed ticket or voucher which can be redeemed for the
selected bonus item or prize. Alternatively, the system would
include a dispensing device which could be a vending device or the
like which operative to output bonus items including coin, cash,
bonus tickets, lottery tickets, scratch off tickets,
complimentaries, promotional materials, and other such bonus
awards.
[0036] Of course, the key and critical element of the above
invention is that bonus payout is printed or dispensed by a
separate device independent of the standard payout device of the
gaming device and is tied to the occurrence of selected reel or
outcome combinations on the electronic gaming device, and other
occurrences on the gaming device do not directly influence the
bonus payout. The above-described invention is believed to provide
a substantial improvement over the prior art, as the player of the
gaming device will not only win standard payouts but will also win
bonus prizes based on selected events or series of events
occurring. Moreover, as the present invention provides a legitimate
bonus versus a split payment of a predetermined amount, the player
is more likely to continue playing the gaming device regardless of
outcome, as they will still be receiving bonus prizes. Finally, as
the present invention provides bonuses not connected with the
payment calculations of the machine, the player may receive bonuses
despite not hitting a standard payout combination.
[0037] It is to be understood that numerous additions,
modifications, and substitutions may be made to the programmable
electronic activity detector and command generator 200 and printing
and dispensing bonusing system of the present invention which fall
within the intended broad scope of the appended claims. For
example, the microprocessors may potentially be combined into a
single microprocessor chip programmed to perform the functions of
each of the three chips. Furthermore, the specific object code used
to program the microprocessors may be modified or changed in many
ways so long as the function of each of the elements of the
programmable electronic activity detector and command generator 200
and printing and dispensing bonusing system are able to function in
the correct and efficient manner. Also, the detection devices of
the present invention, described herein as optical interfaces, may
be modified, changed or replaced entirely with detection devices
which fulfill the intended function of identification of event
occurrences and transfer of that information to the programmable
electronic activity detector and command generator 200.
Possibilities include optical readers which read the reel
combinations produced by the machine and electromagnetic pulse
detectors for detection of event occurrence signals, in addition to
detectors directly connected to the gaming device or formed
integrally therewith. Also, the exact designs and structures of the
programmable electronic activity detector and command generator 200
and printing and dispensing bonusing system may be rearranged or
modified as necessary to fit within the gaming device environment.
Finally, the printing and dispensing bonusing system of the present
invention may be modified or changed to issue different types of
bonuses in connection with different series of occurrences on the
gaming device, in addition to various types of printing and
dispensing devices.
[0038] There have thus been shown and described a programmable
electronic activity detector and command generator 200 and a
printing and dispensing bonusing system which accomplish at least
all of their stated objectives.
[0039] It is to be understood that the MCU 240 can command all
peripheral devices it shares with an electronic gaming device
(EGD), peripheral devices for which it is the sole command device,
peripheral devices it shares with other equipment and/or systems,
etc. An example of commanding EGD peripherals is when the MCU 240,
upon occurrence of an event, or series of events, commands the EGD
video display system and audio system to output bonus related
animation, and corresponding audio for a player. The player would
then engage player controls, if necessary, and make selections.
Thereafter, the MCU 240 would command the EGD's video and audio
systems to present the bonus outcome with corresponding video and
audio outputs such as an animated lottery drawing, etc. The bonus
outcome itself can be pre-selected and stored in memory or it can
be generated by programming in the MCU 240 itself or generated by a
connected peripheral device programmed, or otherwise able, to
generate and/or deliver a bonus outcome to the MCU 240 (e.g., a
random number generator (RNG), an EGD RNG, pre-selected table,
drawing, etc.) Thereafter, the MCU 240 may command a printer,
cashless system, player tracking system, dispensing device, payment
device, data based award delivery device or other device, to
generate and/or deliver an award to the player, if the previously
generated/pre-selected bonus outcome entitled the player to such
award.
[0040] Throughout this process the EGD's non-bonusing activities
and/or outputs will be interrupted, or reordered, to allow the
bonusing routines to finish prior to resuming normal activities
and/or inputs and/or outputs. This may occur by pausing the circuit
board's normal programming routines, interrupting the circuit
board's communications with the EGD's various component parts and
delaying their command execution or it can similarly be
accomplished by simply adding the bonusing routine elements to the
EGD processing queue in the appropriate order and allowing the EGD
processor, or the MCU 240, to execute the bonusing routines
independent of the game outcome processing using common programming
and/or circuitry tools and/or configurations including logic gates,
application programming interfaces (APIs), HKEYs, hashing, etc. to
maintain a level of separation between an EGD's critical functions
and other functions such as bonusing, peripheral device functions,
etc.
[0041] In one example, the video files, audio files, bonus outcome
generation programming files, etc. are stored in memory separate
from that of the EGD's game logic circuitry and/or processor
programming. The memory storage device may be proximate to the MCU
240 or it may be available via the network connection 260. Such
configurations separate creative content from the EGD's game logic
circuitry and/or processor and are employed so that the creative
content and/or its programming can be modified and/or updated,
either directly or via the network connection 260, without
impacting, or otherwise affecting, the more sensitive game logic
circuitry and/or processor and/or programming contained
therein.
[0042] It is to be understood that all creative content and/or
peripheral programming for an EGD can be handled in a similar
fashion, that is, separated from the EGD's critical components
and/or programming. This arrangement need not be limited to
creative content and peripheral programming, etc. used with
bonusing. It would also be beneficial to maintain such a separation
to more easily and efficiently modify all levels of creative
content and/or peripheral programming with or without modifying the
game outcome programming, etc.
[0043] It should also be understood that it is the function of the
programmable activity detector and command generator 200 (AMU)
and/or the MCU 240 that is/are relevant to the present invention
and not its/their precise construction, location, etc. In fact, so
long as the AMU 200 and/or the MCU 240 function(s) as described,
including not interfering with the EGD's game outcome
determination, the function(s) of the AMU 200 and/or the MCU 240
may be carried out by any device or software construct within an
EGD or EGD system with or without unidirectional information
transfer.
[0044] Using a separate device like an AMU 200 offers numerous
benefits. One of these benefits is the ability to use the AMU 200
as a universal controller for all of the peripheral devices
employed by an EGD. As mentioned, this separation of the critical
outcome determination logic from most, if not all, of the remaining
functions of the gambling device makes for easier updating of
non-critical functions and can expedite regulatory review
processes.
[0045] Embodiments of the present invention include use in gaming
devices and gambling games such as: a slot machine; video poker;
keno; video 21 or "Blackjack"; a video lottery terminal (VLT); a
video lottery system; a game that is controlled by a central
determinant system; any other video game; a playing card game; a
card shuffler; or a table game.
[0046] Other embodiments of the present invention include a
bonusing system that generates a bonus without regard to the
outcome of the gambling device but that is responsive to events
that occur within the gambling device. The bonus system could be
integrated into the gambling device or a detachable module that
could be included as an "add on" modification to an existing
game.
[0047] Notification of an award or bonus could occur via video,
audio or other peripherals of the gambling device. A video
notification of an award could manifest itself as any simulated, or
actual, outcome, for example, a lottery drawing graphically
displayed on the EGD monitor or another display. The bonus could be
awarded as pre-printed materials such as a coupon, "scratch-off"
ticket, etc. The pre-printed materials are typically awarded by a
dispensing device. Tangible prizes can also be delivered by a
dispensing device. Alternatively, the bonus could be awarded by a
printer that prints bonus materials such as a lottery entry,
lottery award, credits redeemable by an EGD, etc.
[0048] The bonus system may be part of a network of bonus systems.
Such a network may be controlled by a central control device. This
type of bonus system may be part of a "wide area progressive" type
system that may span multiple machines, multiple casinos, or
multiple jurisdictions, etc. The central control device may
determine all aspects of the bonusing system such as determination
of a bonusing event, notification of a bonus award, and
instructions for awarding the bonus.
[0049] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
printing and dispensing bonusing system for electronic gaming
devices which includes at least one detection device adapted for
connection to an electronic apparatus, or which is integral with
the device, which is operative to detect selected event occurrences
on the electronic apparatus and output event occurrence
notification signals upon detection of an event.
[0050] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
printing and dispensing bonusing system for electronic gaming
devices which includes an event detection sampling device in
information transmission connection with the detection devices, the
event detection sampling device operative to receive and detect the
event occurrence notification signals from the detection devices,
analyze the signals and output event occurrence information signals
specifying the occurrence of a preselected event or events on the
electronic apparatus circuit board.
[0051] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
printing and dispensing bonusing system for electronic gaming
devices which includes a programmable event occurrence information
signal computing device in information transmission connection with
the event detection sampling device, the computing device operative
to receive and analyze event occurrence information signals output
by the event detection sampling device and upon detection of event
occurrence information signals, output command signals for
initiating operation of a printing and/or dispensing device and/or
a cashless system connected to the programmable event occurrence
information signal computing device, the printing and/or dispensing
device operative to dispense and/or print a bonus item or
information, the bonus being dispensed in connection with at least
one event occurring on the electronic gaming device.
[0052] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
printing and dispensing bonusing system for electronic gaming
devices which may be quickly and easily reprogrammed to produce
different outputs in response to electronic gaming device
events.
[0053] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
printing and dispensing bonusing system for electronic gaming
devices, particularly a casino gaming device, which is capable of
sampling event occurrences on the circuit board of the gaming
device that is clearly incapable of influencing the outcome of any
gaming event in the gaming device, thus permitting the electronic
activity detector and command generator to be included in or added
to gaming machines thereafter simplifying modifications for
peripheral device programming, and requiring only minimal
inspection by a gaming commission or its agent.
[0054] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having
benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments
can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention
as disclosed here. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should
be limited only by the attached claims.
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